EDMONDS – Although it’s been said many times, many ways – expect crowds and lines during peak ferry travel times this weekend. But this is no ordinary weekend – thousands more will be sailing for Christmas with reduced vehicle capacity on two routes.

The full length of the State Route 520 bicycle and pedestrian trail across Lake Washington is now open. Part of the West Approach Bridge North Project that built new westbound SR 520 lanes and off-ramps, the new 14-foot-wide trail is the final piece that connects about a dozen miles of trail along SR 520 between Redmond and the Montlake neighborhood in Seattle. The new path connects users to over 60 miles of regional trails.

The NSC Place story map website and Facebook community were created to foster interactive communications with Spokane-area residents, and to provide an opportunity to engage in “place-making” along the NSC and the Children of the Sun Trail. The public is encouraged to share thoughts and opinions through either online forum.

Today’s (Monday, Dec. 18) tragic derailment of the Amtrak Cascades southbound train has significantly impacted the lives of many this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this event and their families.

Travelers can now get weather information and a look at highway conditions from two new weather stations with traffic cameras installed along State Route 26 in eastern Washington. The camera feeds are now available on the WSDOT Traffic and Cameras web page. Links to the weather station data should be online soon.